Barnard College

What are the popular events and traditions at Barnard College?

Barnard's recurring events include Convocation, which marks the opening of an academic year, and Commencement, which recognizes graduating students. These ceremonies bring together the college community at opposite ends of the undergraduate experience.

Midnight Breakfast is another documented campus tradition associated with the end-of-term exam period. Alongside formal college events, student groups organize performances, discussions and cultural programming throughout the year. Event schedules and formats can change, so a past celebration should not be taken as a promise that it will run in the same form every term.

What are the student housing and dining options at Barnard College?

Barnard offers undergraduate residence-hall housing, including first-year residential options and housing for continuing students. Its facilities include different room and suite arrangements. Housing availability, selection procedures and eligibility differ by student category and academic year, so applicants - particularly transfers - should not equate the existence of college housing with an unconditional placement guarantee.

Students living in residence follow Barnard's housing application and assignment process. Meal-plan requirements and choices depend on the student's housing arrangement and the applicable college rules. Campus dining options serve students with different schedules, while residents and commuters can also use food options in the surrounding neighborhood. Anyone comparing a residence-hall offer with an apartment should account for the meal plan, lease length, utilities and transportation rather than compare rent alone.